Butler To Join Atlantic-10 in 2013-14

The Butler Bulldogs will be leaving the Horizon League after this season to join the Atlantic-10 conference. Coach Brad Stevens and the Bulldogs gained significant national fame for their success as a Cinderella in the NCAA Tournament. Butler made two consecutive NCAA Finals in 2010 and 2011, losing to Duke and Connecticut respectively. 2011-12 was a down year for Butler, finishing 22-15 and losing in the semi-finals of the CBI to Pittsburgh.

Brad Stevens still has refused candidacy to major NCAA institutions and the belief is that Butler should bounce back. So, what does the change of conference mean? Well, since 1998, Butler has been the only at-large bid from the Horizon, while 24 A-10 teams have claimed the honor.

Butler may have some initial struggles in the change, but Stevens has done a fantastic job of picking up recruits. This move should only help the cause. Butler may not dominate the conference, but they will hold their own and should benefit from the stronger competition.